Shards of Ankh

Chapter Three

"You never texted me back!"

Rose had jumped Thea as soon as she had set foot in the door. Thea laughed, and Rose blinked at her, surprised. Suspiciously, Rose handed her coffee.

"You're awfully chipper for seven in the morning with zero coffee."

"Oh Rose," Thea replied with a happy sigh, "I had the most wonderful dream last night!"

"Did it involve a tall drink of water of a man?"

"Yes, but that's not what made it so amazing."

"Of course not," Rose muttered.

"I had the most splendid, extremely vivid dream I was in Ancient Egypt," Thea gushed.

"Sounds exhilarating," Rose said with dry sarcasm.

"Did you know," Thea continued, ignoring her, "that the pyramids used to be--"

"Boring," Rose cut her off, earning her a glare. "I want to hear more about this man."

"Why do you care?" Thea asked contentiously, crinkling her nose. "I thought you didn't bat for that team?"

"I don't, but I know you do! I just want to make sure your lady bits aren't as dusty as the sands of Egypt."

"Rose!" Thea snapped, turning a deep shade of crimson.

Rose stopped walking, taking Thea by the shoulders. She looked at her seriously now. "I'm worried about you."

Thea tried to walk away but Rose yanked her back into place. "Hey, Thea. I'm serious."

Thea rose her eyebrows.

Rose let her arms drop to her sides, and she looked at the floor. "All I'm saying is there's more to life than this museum, Thea."

"While I appreciate your concern," Thea replied with a mischievous grin, "I assure you, my lady bits are in proper working order, thank you."

"Come on. When was the last time you had a boyfriend?"

Thea now rolled her eyes and continued walking. "You're worse than my mother."

"I'm just saying that pretty soon I'm going to be showing people your exhibit with your stuffed-ass carcass behind glass."

"And I'm just saying," Thea retorted, starting to get annoyed, "that I have more important things to worry about than men. Just because I'm female doesn't mean my life revolves around being married off."

"I know that." Rose shuddered dramatically. "Don't say the 'm' word around me."

"What--married or monogamy?"

"Either or," Rose replied with a laugh.

"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you yet again with the fact that I'm not a slut like you."

Rose stopped walking and gasped loudly and dramatically. "Thea!"

Thea stopped walking and grinned. "Oh come on. You yourself have said as much."

Rose stepped forward, and the pair continued on their way. "I know, thus my shock. That's the highest compliment you've ever paid me I think, dear Thea!"

Thea chortled and threw her head back. Just then the pair came upon where they parted ways. Rose briefly touched Thea's forearm. "I heard you have a new co-worker?"

Thea moaned loudly. "Don't remind me."

"That bad?"

"He's--"